Ming Dynasty Blue and White Bowl for the Tibetan Market, 15th/16th c, China

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Ming Dynasty Blue and White Bowl for the Tibetan Market, 15th/16th c, China

About the Item

A rare Chinese Ming Dynasty blue and white porcelain bowl made for the Tibetan market, early Ming Dynasty, 15th/16th century, China. The blue and white porcelain bowl of standard form, raised on a short, recessed foot, with high walls and a narrow everted rim. The well of the bowl features a large and bold double vajra, visvajra, also known as the double thunderbolt. The rim of the bowl is painted with Sanskrit or pseudo-Sanskrit characters. The exterior of the bowl features two wonderful dragon-like creatures known as makaras striding over stylized lotus petals which surround the base. All these decorative elements are related to vajrayana tantric Buddhism, and indicate this bowl was made for the Tibetan market The double vajra, visvajra, is a ritual implement used in Tibetan tantric Buddhism. The vajra is an ancient symbol. Originally a weapon of the Hindu storm god Indra, it is referred to as the Diamond Thunderbolt. In Buddhism, the vajra is used to cut through ignorance and the illusion of reality. When two vajras are crossed, it is called a visvajra, and represents the unbreakable foundation of enlightenment. Makaras are chimeric beings that bridge realms - terrestrial and aquatic, animal and vegetal, earthly and heavenly, etc. In this case, the makara has a terrestrial head and torso, and a vegetal lower half and tail. The terrestrial body is comprised of a leonine head with an elephantine trunk and a reptilian body. The vegetal lower body and tail tail with beautiful and elaborate scroll work.

Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)Diameter: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Style:
Ming (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain,Glazed,Hand-Painted
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
16th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1500
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading. No chips, cracks, or repairs noted. However, the bowl does not ring. Some iron spotting. Toning to the crackle.
Seller Location:
Austin, TX
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU894735965362